Fire Emblem Fates: Which Story to Start?

Fire Emblem Fates offers three distinct story paths, and the one you should start with is Birthright if you are new to the series or want a more straightforward, heroic tale. If you prefer a tougher, more strategic challenge with morally gray decisions, choose Conquest. The third path, Revelation, is the true ending and is best played after finishing at least one of the other two.

The Three Paths: Birthright, Conquest, and Revelation

Fire Emblem Fates was released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS as three separate games: Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright, Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, and Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation. Each game shares the same first six chapters, then diverges based on a choice the protagonist, Corrin, makes. The choice determines which side you fight for and drastically changes the story, maps, and available characters.

• Birthright – Corrin sides with the Hoshidan royal family, their birth family. The story follows a classic good-versus-evil arc, with a focus on family bonds and justice.
• Conquest – Corrin sides with the Nohrian royal family, the family that raised them. The story is darker, with morally complex decisions and a more tragic tone.
• Revelation – Corrin rejects both kingdoms and seeks a third path to prevent a greater catastrophe. This path unlocks the true ending and features the largest cast of playable characters.

All three games are available as physical cartridges or digital downloads, but the story choice is locked at the beginning of the game. You cannot switch paths mid-playthrough, so your choice matters.

How the Choice Works

In the first six chapters, the game plays identically regardless of which version you own. Around Chapter 6, Corrin is forced to choose between siding with Hoshido or Nohr. If you own Birthright, you can only choose Hoshido; if you own Conquest, you can only choose Nohr. Revelation is a separate purchase and becomes available after you complete either of the other two paths.

This structure means that to experience the full story, you must play all three games. However, the order matters for narrative payoff. Revelation contains major spoilers for both Birthright and Conquest, so it is best saved for last.

Which Path Should You Choose First?

The best starting path depends on your experience with tactical RPGs and your tolerance for difficulty. Here is a breakdown:

• New players or those who prefer a traditional Fire Emblem experience: Start with Birthright. It has a lower difficulty curve, more forgiving maps, and a straightforward story that introduces mechanics without punishing mistakes.
• Veterans of the series or players who enjoy a challenge: Start with Conquest. It features some of the most intricate and difficult maps in the series, with objectives that go beyond simple rout-the-enemy. The story is also more morally ambiguous.
• Completionists who want the full story: Play Birthright or Conquest first, then Revelation last. Revelation ties together the two timelines and answers lingering questions.

If you are still unsure, consider what you value more: a satisfying narrative or a tactical challenge. Birthright is the safer bet for most players.

What Makes Each Path Unique

Beyond the story, the three paths differ in gameplay mechanics and available characters.

• Birthright allows you to grind for experience and gold in optional battles, making it easier to level up weaker units. It features Hoshidan classes like the Swordmaster and the Onmyoji, and the cast is largely Hoshidan.
• Conquest does not allow grinding; you must rely on limited resources and careful planning. It features Nohrian classes like the Dark Knight and the Berserker, and the cast is largely Nohrian.
• Revelation allows grinding and includes nearly every character from both kingdoms, making it the most flexible for team-building. It also has unique maps that require creative solutions.

Each path also has different support conversations and romance options, so if you have a favorite character, you may want to check which path they appear in.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Conquest is the “bad” path because you fight against the “good” kingdom. In reality, both sides have flaws, and Conquest is designed to make you question your loyalties. It is not a villain story; it is a story about trying to do good within a corrupt system.

Another issue players face is the difficulty spike in Conquest. Because you cannot grind, you must manage your experience carefully. If you are not used to Fire Emblem’s permadeath mechanic (where units permanently die in battle), Conquest can be frustrating. Consider playing on Casual mode (where units return after battle) if you are new.

Finally, some players expect Revelation to be the “best” path because it is the true ending. However, its story is often criticized for being less focused, and its maps are gimmicky. It is best played for completion, not as your first experience.

Cost and How to Access All Three

If you buy one physical copy of Fire Emblem Fates, you can purchase the other two paths as DLC for a reduced price (around $20 each). Alternatively, you can buy each game separately. The digital versions are available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, but note that the eShop for the 3DS was shut down in March 2023, so you can no longer purchase the DLC or digital versions. Physical copies are still available from retailers or secondhand markets.

If you only want to play one path, Birthright is the most affordable entry point because it is often sold at a lower price than Conquest or Revelation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play all three paths to understand the story?

No, each path tells a complete story on its own. However, Revelation provides the most context and explains the overarching conflict. If you only play one, you will miss some lore, but you will not be lost.

Is Conquest really that hard?

Yes, Conquest is widely considered the hardest of the three. The lack of grinding and the presence of tricky map objectives make it a challenge even for veterans. If you are new, start with Birthright.

Can I choose a different path after starting?

No, the choice is permanent. You must start a new save file to play a different path. If you own the DLC, you can access the other paths from the main menu.

Which path has the best characters?

That is subjective. Revelation has the most characters, but Birthright and Conquest each have their own fan favorites. If you want a specific character, check their availability before choosing.

Is Revelation worth playing?

Yes, if you are a completionist or want the full story. It is the only path that explains the true nature of the conflict and features the most playable characters. However, its maps are often considered less fun than the other two.

What is the best order to play the paths?

Most players recommend Birthright first, then Conquest, and finally Revelation. This order gives you a gradual difficulty increase and lets you appreciate the story twists.

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